Nation's Capital chef selected for the infamous 'black box' challenge on Chopped Canada, Part 2 - The Food Tease - Food Blog, Culinary Events & Tasty Travels

Nation’s Capital chef selected for the infamous ‘black box’ challenge on Chopped Canada, Part 2

By admin on April 7, 2014

If you haven’t already heard….Chef Norm Aitken WON!!!!

The $10,000 smile!!!
Chef Norm Aitken viewing the Chopped Canada episode where he
was declared winner!

Juniper Kitchen and Wine Bar chef/owner Norm Aitken won the top $10,000 prize in the first episode of season two of the popular culinary reality TV series, Chopped Canada.

Thursday evening (April 3rd) Aitken was surrounded by friends, family and supporters alike who enjoyed bewitching libations and tasty tidbits that were being served at Juniper’s. Juniper had organized and arranged for their guests to enjoy the show as it was viewed on their big screen projector. In my opinion the setting was perfect, guests (like myself) took delight in trying Juniper’s new cocktail ‘Drunk Dragon‘ (inspired by one of the black box ingredients) as they talked and mingled…all in anticipation of viewing Aitken’s performance.

‘Drunk Dragon’, cocktail inspired by the appetizer round
of the black box ingredients

Supporters came out to view the first episode of
season two of the reality culinary show, Chopped Canada in
which Chef Norm Aitken competed on

Below are the three courses and their ‘Black Box’ ingredients to which the chefs had

to creat their dishes. On the right side, are Chef Aitken’s creations utilizing all the ingredients.

Since I’m a fan of Chopped Canada, I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to ask Chef Aitken some questions relating to his experience and in true form Chef Aitken was kind enough to set some time aside from his busy schedule to sit down and talk with me.

Food Tease: What made you decide to compete in Chopped?

Chef Norm Aitken: 10 grand… would be the first probably motivator. After that would be just to see where I would place within my peers. See I enjoy competition, so as soon as I saw the opportunity to compete especially for the 10 grand, yeah that was it…Giddy up!

Food Tease: Did the Food Network solicit you to compete? or did you apply?

Chef Norm Aitken: No, I applied. Michael Smith tweeted out that there was a casting call, so I applied.

Food Tease: Why did you decide to submit your application now in your life?

Chef Norm Aitken: Opportunity, strictly opportunity.

Food Tease: Did you ever think you would be auditioning for a culinary show on television?

Chef Norm Aitken: I’ve done a little bit of stuff with Food Network before just working with Mike (Michael Smith). I kinda knew the in’s and outs of T. Yeah, I definitely see myself doing something with TV.

Food Tease: How much notice did they give you from the time that you found out you were selected to the time you were competing?

Chef Norm Aitken: Probably 3 months.

Food Tease: Are you given any type of compensation in order to compete?

Chef Norm Aitken: No, nothing.

Food Tease: How many practice runs at the black box did you perform before the actual taping of the show?

Chef Norm Aitken: It was more the physical part of it – the practical part of it I didn’t necessarily need to practice. It was more of my timing. Knowing it was under a time restraint. I just needed to figure out how long it took me to cook mashed potatoes or make pasta so I could understand my timeline a little bit better. I did two separate practical runs.

Food Tease: Did you consult anyone for tips in order to prepare for the event?

Chef Norm Aitken: No.

Food Tease: Did you know your competitors prior to the show?

Chef Norm Aitken: No.

Food Tease: Upon entering the set, what were your first impressions?

Chef Norm Aitken: Oh Shit!!

Food Tease: Can you please elaborate on the ‘Oh Shit’?

Chef Norm Aitken: Umm…It was…yeah, it was walking into the studio… and it was like ‘oh shit’, okay, now this is real! There’s no turning back at this point.

Food Tease: What was so overwhelming about it?

Chef Norm Aitken: The reality of …It’s like now I’ve seen my competitors face to face. I’ve now traveled in a van with them, I’ve now listened to their small banter which I never partake in…its’ too early in the morning and I wasn’t finished with my first coffee yet. I didn’t say much…I said my name and I was from Ottawa and that was it. I kept to myself, I didn’t say much else. I didn’t say I was a chef /owner of nothing just from Ottawa, Norm… and that was it.

Food Tease: Were you at all intimidated by all the cameras and with the set in general?

Chef Norm Aitken: Oh totally, yeah for sure. Yeah, you seem to lose…your confidence seems to slip into your gut.

Food Tease: Did you have any second thoughts?

Chef Norm Aitken: Second thoughts of whether or not I would do it? or would I just leave?

Food Tease: Any of the above

Chef Norm Aitken: No…no, never.

Food Tease: How did you feel competing in front of your long time mentor and friend Michael Smith?

Chef Norm Aitken: Well I was here to prove it to myself, by proving it to myself I suppose I’m proving it to my mentors too right?! Hand in hand there it is.

Food Tease: Was it more added pressure knowing someone on the panel as opposed to a complete stranger?

Chef Norm Aitken: No, I don’t think it was intimidating.

Food Tease: What concerned you the most about the black box in general?

Chef Norm Aitken: My concerns would have been an ingredient there that I didn’t know what it was or where it came from.

Food Tease: Were there certain ingredients that you just hoped and wished ‘please don’t be in the box’?

Chef Norm Aitken: Yeah, Offal meat.

Food Tease: How did you feel after the first course?

Chef Norm Aitken: Beat!

Food Tease: Why? time constraint beat?

Chef Norm Aitken: Time constraint beat, physically beat, mentally… completely drained. I was like: Oh shit, that’s what I’m up against?! It was a pressure cooker and I had a couple of things go down in the first course that I wasn’t expecting (the dragon fruit soup had turned grey in color after being pureed) and then by the time you look to try and recover…you’re out of time so it really doesn’t matter. So you present what you present and that’s the whole point of it. You have you and only you to blame, you’re the only one. So yeah, you’re hard on yourself.

Food Tease: How were the nerves?

Chef Norm Aitken: Shot.

Food Tease: Was there one course (appetizer, main or dessert) that you felt may been your weakness, your Achilles’ heel?

Chef Norm Aitken: No, well prepared for any course.

Food Tease: Was there any tension on the set?

Chef Norm Aitken: No, I wouldn’t call it tension.

Food Tease: What would you call it then? Nervousness?

Chef Norm Aitken: Yeah, that’s all.

Food Tease: Was there a feeling of camaraderie between the competitors or was it simply a matter of ‘let the best man win’?

Chef Norm Aitken: No, I wasn’t there to make friends…let’s just do the day and see who comes out.

Food Tease: At what point in the competition did you feel that you had a very good chance at winning?

Chef Norm Aitken: After the main course.

Food Tease: When did they shoot the episode?

Chef Norm Aitken: They filmed it roughly a year ago.

Food Tease: Was it hard to keep the result a secret? Especially from those closest to you and for that long?

Chef Norm Aitken: No. Why? Because I didn’t want to ruin it. I didn’t want to ruin it for them.

Food Tease: What do you take away from your success of the show?

Chef Norm Aitken: That obviously I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.

Food Tease: What do you think this success will do to Juniper’s reputation? Let alone you as a chef?

Chef Norm Aitken: I don’t know…I guess we will have to see. Whatever comes, right?!

Food Tease: Where do you go from here after such a success?

Chef Norm Aitken: Where ever it takes me.

Food Tease: More competitions in your future?

Chef Norm Aitken: If everything aligns then I would do it. It’s all about the opportunity… if the opportunity presented itself correctly.

Food Tease: What’s the most valued piece of advice you’ve been given?

Chef Norm Aitken: Do what you love.

Food Tease: Where do you see yourself in 5 & 10 years?

Chef Norm Aitken: I see myself in the business, to what capacity…I’m not sure. Still be owner probably, cause I just don’t want to work for anybody else. I want to be the captain of my own ship…I just may have more than one ship…that’s all.

Food Tease: Do you see this experience as a personal growth experience?

Chef Norm Aitken: Ofcourse. Anything you do in life should add to your personal growth.

Food Tease: Every chef let alone every person has a personal ‘mantra’, rules that they live by. What are they for you and why?

Chef Norm Aitken: Learn how to wet shave! (he says with the biggest grin on his face).

Food Tease: Seriously?! (I couldn’t stop laughing) Now, let’s try that again…

Chef Norm Aitken: No room for second place. You only live one life, you’ve got one shot at it… Blaze your own trail.

Chef Norm Aitken with his winning dessert course:
Pretzel bread pudding and berry ale ice

Like the ten thousand dollar winner said, “blaze your own trail”…and that he did!!

Congratulations Chef Aitken!

Nation's Capital chef selected for the infamous 'black box' challenge on Chopped Canada

African Harvest: A Celebration of Food and Farmers

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Oui, Oui Paris!! 🇨🇵🗼
My City of Love adventure, thanks to @uniworldcruises, was simply AMAZING!!

Discovering Monmartre and other famed locations that Paris is known for during my @retro_tour_paris was a thrilling bucketlist experience!!🇨🇵🗼🏍🥰

This was the ultimate way to see Paris and all its magnificent beauty - a Retro Sidecar adventure.🇨🇵🗼😍
I enjoyed switching from being in the Sidecar to riding back of the motorcycle. What a rush!!🏍

The crowds in Monmartre were sureal and loved taking photos of the Retro Sidecar. My skilled driver, Max, handled driving on the cobblestones with ease, especially as we drove at the famous Arc de Triomphe. I was a bit scared being low to the ground in the Sidecar, but felt safe even though cars were very close!🫣🏍

The Retro Sidecar experience brought me to many unforgettable sights, including the stunning Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre - such beauty!

Beauty + Adrenaline = My Paris souvenir, that will last me a lifetime!!🇨🇵🗼🏍 🥰

When in Paris, this adventure is HIGHLY recommended! 👌 😍

#travelblogger #traveldestination #uniworld #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #retrocar #retrotour #presstrip #paris #monmartre #adrenaline #sidecar #passportready #bucketlist #luxelife #onceinalifetime #alwaystryingnewthings #outdoorfun #parisbyday #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel #tmacontario #thefoodteasetravel #lovemyjob #pinchme

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Nov 3

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All things luxurious and gold, this
is @chateauversailles 🏰👸🏼🤩

I had the opportunity to visit this magnificent palace during my S.S. Joie de Vivre voyage thanks to @uniworldcruises🛳🇨🇵

Château de Versailles cheat sheet:
🏰 Louis XIV (Sun King) created it
🏰 Louis XV (The Beloved) enjoyed it
🏰 Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette died in it.

The Palace is absolutely STUNNING!! The decor, fabrics, artistry, and much, much more can easily leave any person in awe! I loved walking through the most famous room of all, The Hall of Mirrors.. such richness and extravagance!! 🪞 😍

What was once a humble hunting lodge is now the opulent Château de Versailles. A time where lavish French royalty and luxury was a must, to becoming a symbol of inequality that incited the French Revolution.

Today, the Château de Versailles contains 2,300 rooms spread over approximately 63,154 square meters. It is one of the most visited palaces in France and a celebrated work of the 17th century. I`m in love with all the gold touches!!😍

Does the photo with the horse look familiar? This is Zeus, the mythical metal horse of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony at the Château de Versailles. 🦄

I learned that Marie-Antoinette is the only Queen that influenced Château de Versailles with her own taste and what a distinctive and glamorous taste she had. The photo of the bedroom is actually Marie Antoinette`s room with all the glitzy gold touches that she was known for, especially rich fabrics and draperies.👸🏼🏰

It is an incredible excursion that I recommend to anyone who enjoys history, royalty, art, gardens, and all things beautiful.😍😍

#UniworldCruise #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #travelblogger #traveldestination #versailles #versaillespalace #versaillesgardens #presstrip ##tripofalifetime #bucketlist #france #francetourisme #rivercruising #highlyrecommended #queenforaday #feelinglikeaprincess #lovemyjob #thefoodtease #thefoodteasetravel ##ifwtwa1 ##tmactravel #tmac

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Oct 31

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An art lover`s dream as I visited the founder of impressionism, Oscar-Claude Monet`s house, and famed gardens. 🎨🌺✨️

A day of exploration as we cruised along the Seine River, and I couldn`t wait!
@uniworldcruises S.S. Joie de Vivre had me exploring the region of Giverny, Normandy to Monet’s house and gardens. What a historical and artistic treat!! 🎨 🌺🤩

This was the second time I`ve had the pleasure of visiting the painter`s house, and let me tell you, the magic was still there and so much still to discover. The endless flowers throughout the gardens were breathtaking and left me in awe! 😍😍

For a food lover, Monet’s kitchen was truly impressive...I can only imagine the dishes that were made and happily devoured. 😋

Picture perfect afternoon with Monet. My S.S. Joie de Vivre journey continues... 🤩🤩

#UniworldCruise #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #foodblogger #traveldestination
#travelblogger #monet #monetgarden #giverny #cruising #rivercruising #francetourisme #normandie #thefoodteasetravel #lovemyjob #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmacontario #tmactravel #normandie

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Oct 26

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I am absolutely thrilled to share that I was invited by @uniworldcruises as their special guest to experience their luxurious Paris & Normandy river cruise!!
🇨🇵🛳😍

I couldn`t wait to indulge in their finest amenities, explore the stunning sights of France, and create unforgettable memories.

The stunning S.S. Joie de Vivre is such a beauty, and there is so much to share. She was my floating hotel for a week, and I was open to all the adventures she was going to give. Staying in the Deluxe French Balcony stateroom spoiled me with the option of opening the grand window to take in the fresh air while enjoying the river views. What more could you ask for in terms of luxury?!🤩🤩

Everything from the opulent French inspired glitzy decor of the ship (inspired by 20th-century Parisian design) to the attention to detail to pamper guests like their handcrafted Savoir Beds of England was topnotch. To add more pampering, their impressive marble bathroom had everything to spoil your body, including a rainfall shower, heated floors, and heated towel warmer. Attention to detail from start to finish.

A heartfelt thank you to Uniworld for this amazing opportunity - I am truly grateful!

Let the Joie de Vivre adventure begin! 🇨🇵🛳😍🗼

#travelblogger #foodblogger #rivercruising #traveldestination
#presstrip #uniworld
#ssjoiedevivre #UniworldCruise #ParisNormandy #DreamVacation #ExploreUniworld #waunderlust #passportready #bucketlist #france #francetourisme #thefoodteasetravel #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #luxelife #cruising #thefoodteasedrinks #lovemyjob #luxury #luxurylifestyle

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Oct 22

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The perfect marriage - garlic escargots and @moetchandon Ice Imperial Champagne 🍾 🥂😍😍

If you haven`t had the pleasure of tasting this incredibly refreshing Champagne, then I`d suggest you do it and do it now!! You`ll thank me for it😉😋

What is unique about this Champagne is the fact that it was created to be served over ice, hence its name - Ice Imperial. It is the perfect accompaniment to any dish or simply alone...sheer perfection!!

Here`s to more `occasions` or `simply because` 😉

Cheers🥂

#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #champagne #champagnelover #icechampagne #moet #moetchandon #anyoccasion #justbecause #escargot #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmacontario

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Oct 12

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Continuing my tradition of indulging at @martinpicard epic @cabaneaupieddecochon, this year`s harvest season happened to be their ALL STAR EDITION!!🤩🤩

This meant they would be `reviving some of their old and most beautiful harvest dishes ever conceived.` And they didn`t disappoint!! 😋😋 Indulgence taken to new heights!!

Here is the incredibly tasty lineup that was feasted on:
🍄 Scallop with mushrooms and corn coulis
🦆 Duck tartar with shiso leaves
🍕 Pizza: tomato pie with Dijon bechamel sauce
🥗 Burrata fruit salad: cucumbers, plums, mint leaves, melon coulis, and croutons
🐟 Salt cooked Trout with leek, tomato, and lobster bisque
🍛 Squash soup: squash, Foie Gras, Amaretti biscuits, gruyère cheese, and honey crisp apples
🐑 Lamb saddle with pork fat, sausages, and creamy polenta with a pepper sauce
🍆 Stuffed eggplant with smoked ham and tomato vodka sauce
🦆🐖 Shepherds pie with duck and pork
🥕🍰 Carrot cake: Classic staple recipe. Sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and pumpkin seeds served with a carrot juice jelly
🥧 Apple pie with maple syrup, Foie Gras and cheddar cheese crème fraîche
🍫Choux pastry and chocolate ganache with raspberry cream and mint. Berries and herbs were picked directly from the on-site garden

It is an incredible feast for those who enjoy ingredients cooked and elevated in the most creative way!!

Till next year 😋

#foodblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #foodwriter #travelwriter #feastagram #feast #gluttony #classicrecipe #harvest #martinpicard #tradition #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #thefoodteasetravel #thefoodtease

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Oct 10

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"Cook with love always, and people will feel it" - Chef @antonyannick70

It was a pleasure and honour to witness Chef Yannick Anton from @lecordonbleuottawa receive the Chevalier de L`Ordre du Mérite Agricole.

This award, bestowed by the French Ministry of Agriculture, recognizes his contribution to promoting French culture in Ottawa and across Canada through his work as a chef and culinary instructor.
🇨🇵 🇨🇦🧑‍🍳

Read about his extraordinary career in my article published in the Fall issue of @luxeottawamagazine

A lifelong passion for his craft - Congratulations again, Chef!!🏅🤩

#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelwriter #foodwriter #chef #cheflife #chevalier #meriteagricole #prestigious #accolades #frenchculture #promoting #published #luxelife #tmac #tmacontario #ifwtwa1 #frenchchef

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Oct 1

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It`s been a busy couple of weeks, but I wanted to share the love on this `must visit` eatery.😍😋

It was a treat to discover and dine at @amusekanata! This charming restaurant delivers BIG on flavourful dishes. It`s perfect for sharing and discovering new ingredients. A true gem! 🔥🙌

Here is the list of the tasty dishes that my table enjoyed:
🧀 TORCHED BRIE
🐟 TUNA AND SCALLOP TARTARE
🥩 STEAK TARTARE
🥩 BISON CARPACCIO
🍄 MUSHROOMS ON TOAST
🧀 HALOUMI
🐑LAMB SHANK

Both the restaurant ambiance and hospitality were top-notch...A must try! 😋😍

#foodblogger #foodporn #foodphotography #newexperiences
#sharingplates #sharing #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #newdiscovery #amuse #amusekitchen #musttry #wantmore #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats #tmac #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #indulgence #livetoexplore #livetoeat

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Sep 26

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Vegas wouldn’t be complete without visiting Freemont Street and taking in breathtaking sunset views from @stratvegas Tower. 😍😍

Experiencing a ride to the top of the Tower, at 1,149 feet tall - the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States for a 2nd time, did not disappoint!! 😱😍

Several years ago I experienced the thrill of the X-SCREAM roller coaster - it "teeter totters you over the edge of the Tower from 866 feet high, propelling riders head first 27 feet over the edge of the tower. After being shot over the edge, passengers are dangled weightlessly above the Las Vegas Strip before being pulled back and propelled again. " 😱😱🎢 It was a BLAST, but this time around, I was a viewer... perhaps on my next visit 😉

Seeing the Vegas views and watching the incredible visual display of the @spherevegas was incredible.

All must do`s when in Vegas!!

#traveldestination #travelblogger #vegas #travelwriter #travelphotography #thrillingrides #vegastrip #strat #sphere #vacation #thrill #awesome #funtimes #getaway #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodteasetravel #freemontstreet #mustsee #mustdotravels

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Sep 15

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Indulgence of any kind is a good one in my book, and indulging in a carnivorous feast at the award-winning Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, Las Vegas was EPIC!!🤩🤩😋

The attention to detail from both the back and front of the house was beyond exceptional. It was a true celebration of meat! 🥩🥩

I was in a very addictive meat trance - I loved every dish.🦪🥩😋😍

For the outstanding carnivore feast, these are the dishes that I feasted on:

✳️ Caviar Cone: crème fraîche, classic Ossetra caviar. 🤩🤩

✳️ A5 "Philly Cheesesteak": airbread, cheddar, Wagyu beef. 🔥🔥😋😋
This dish was HEAVEN in your mouth, that a second order was needed.

✳️ Sloppy Joe: beef Bolognese, steamed bun, straw potatoes.

✳️ First time tasting Shigoku oysters from Samish Bay, Washington, and they didn`t disappoint. 🦪🦪

✳️ Bone-In Strip Loin, Washugyu/Angus Blend. 🥩😋

✳️ Chateaubriand, Tenderloin, Holstein: (Brandt Beef, CA) Périgordine sauce and straw potatoes.

✳️ Buttered Potato Purée: butter, butter, more butter, some potatoes.😱😍
So silky smooth, it should be illegal!!

It was a bucket list item of mine to eat at this award-winning restaurant by this outstanding chef and humanitarian. 😊😊

Chef @chefjoseandres is founder of @wckitchen World Central Kitchen - first in the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. A real inspiration 🙌

#foodblogger #foodphotography
#foodporn #travelblogger #carnivore #feastagram #feast #joseandres #vegas #lasvegas #bucketlist #indulgence #epicfood #awardwinning #humanitarian #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats ##ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #meat #meatlover #meatporn #caviar #wagyu

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Sep 13

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Hello Arizona, and your jaw-dropping natural wonders! 😍😍

I didn`t think I could make the long bus ride from Vegas to Arizona to see the beautiful Canyon "X" in 40° degree heat... but I made it. It was hot, BUT it was sooo worth it!!

Light peaking through the incredibly beautiful and surprisingly smooth Canyon X was just spectacular. It`s amazing what nature can create. Canyon X is a hidden treasure in the heart of the Navajo Nation.

The 2nd photo displays why the canyon is called Canyon "X" - the opening of the canyon with the sky in the backdrop naturally forms the "X" formation.

Overall, the canyon trip surpassed all of my expectations, and I`m happy that I had the opportunity to see the canyon up close and be in the moment, on the sacred land. 😍😍

A must-see!!

#travelblogger #foodblogger #nature #hiddentreasures #naturephotography #naturalphenomenon #canyon #canyonx #navajonation #mustsee #tourist #bucketlist #desert #hiking #hikingadventures #tmac #tmactravel #ifwtwa1 #thefoodtease

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Sep 11

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From Nevada ➡️ Utah ➡️ Arizona to visit and explore incredible natural sights, including the famous Horseshoe Bend.

It was an incredible day seeing this sight up close.😍😍

The stunning Horseshoe Bend in @visit_arizona also referred to as the "east rim of the Grand Canyon". A geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River. I must admit that I was nervous taking these photo, as there are no rails or gates to prevent any accidents...and it`s very slippery. 😱

It was the perfect day to explore and get away from the glitz and bright lights of Vegas...atleast for a brief time😉😂

#travelblogger #foodblogger #traveldestination #travelwriter #arizona #horseshoebend #sightseeing #naturalphotography #nature #naturephotography #getaway #tmactravel #tmac #ifwtwa1 #thefoodtease #playingtourist #coloradoriver

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Sep 8

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Hello Sin City, it`s been a while😈😉

A getaway at the stunning @resortsworldlv, specifically Crockfords Hotel, made for a great trip to disconnect, have fun, and discover new things!🍹🍸🎰

Nightlife on the strip is a sensory overload... but that`s part of the fun😉

Delicious mojitos by the Crockfords pool made the scorching 40°degree weather bearable.🥵🥵🍹🍹

The mind-blowing @spherevegas is a literal driving distraction - its graphics are simply amazing!!😱😱

Love seeing the Venetian gondolas in action.

Stay tuned for some tasty activities, including some beautiful desert sights! 😃

#travelblogger #foodblogger
#vegas #lasvegas #lasvegasstrip #longweekend #disconnect #recharge #vegasbaby #onthestrip #friendsvacation #sphere #crockfords #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel #thefoodtease

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Sep 5

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The @brookstreetott hotel is a dreamy setting for couples embarking on their marital journey, especially with their all-in-one location. 🤩🤩

Discover their exclusive curated services in my recently published article featured in the Fall/Winter issue of the @ottawawedding magazine.

● Premiere wedding venue 💍✅️
● 18-hole championship golf course ⛳️✅️
● Exceptional cuisine 🍽 ✅️

Make your next stay a memorable one with the Brookstreet Hotel!

#foodblogger #travelblogger #traveldestination #weddingvenue #ottawa #championshipgolfcourse #golfcourse #curated #awardwinning #getaway #ottawawedding #ottawaweddings #travelwriter #ottawaweddingmagazine #published #lovemyjob #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #tmac #tmacontario

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Aug 24

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An evening out to @anabellaskitchenandlounge was exactly what I needed...friendly hospitality, tasty flavourful dishes, and the perfect ambiance to enjoy a beautiful outing. 😊😋

Amongst the appetizers, I chose their HIGHLY addictive zucchini crisps, which were the bomb!! This is one dish where you wish they had endless offerings!!
😍😍

Another tasty appetizer was their arancini - simply flavourful. And the piece de résistance was their refreshing grilled Halloumi Salad. It was watermelon sweet and Halloumi salty...Simply perfect! They nailed this salad with all the different flavours.

The perfect summer outing!😊😋

#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #ottawa #ottawarestaurants #supportlocalbusiness #diningout #summervibes #summerouting #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #tmactravel

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Aug 17

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Summer means...
BBQ time ✅️
Gardening ✅️
Relaxing ✅️
🪻🌺🐝🥩😍😋

Summer love...BBQ season in full effect!! 😋😍 These marinated pork blade steaks were delicious!!🥩😋

Basil, Thai basil, tarragon, and parsley... my little garden is growing!

Green thumb in full effect!! 🌺🪻
Love my lavender, and so do the 🐝 🐝

#foodblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #travelblogger #summer #summervibes #bbq #bbqlovers #garden #herb #herbgarden #greenthumb #lavender #summerrelax #timewellspent #thefoodtease #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac #goodtimes

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Jul 28

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Yesterday afternoon, I had the privilege of attending the "buffets des chefs," a delicious gathering at the French Embassy @franceaucanada in partnership with the Disciples d’Escoffier Canada. @disciples_escoffier_canada 🇨🇵🇨🇦

This tasty celebration included Disciples d’Escoffiers, chefs from @lecordonbleuottawa and @maisonoddo 👨‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳

The culinary event also included @veroniquerivest renown sommelier and owner of @soifbaravin being awarded as Knight in The Order of Agricultural Merit
(Ordre du Mérite agricole) for her constant promotion of oenology and French wines and terroirs. It is an order of merit bestowed by the French Republic for outstanding contributions to agriculture and food/gastronomy. Bravo!! 🍷🍷👏 👏

Another special moment included the induction of Ambassador Michel Miraillet as a new Disciple. When a new Disciple is inducted, he then undertakes to respect the Escoffier Spirit by taking this oath: "I vow to pass, serve and honor the cuisine, its culture and its continuing evolution".🎖🎖

Guests were spoiled with an endless assortment of French appetizers and delectable sweets, all with whom were created by talented chefs who are driven by passion. 😍👩🏼‍🍳👨‍🍳

Bravo to you all!!👏👏

#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodphotography #foodporn #escoffier #disciplesescoffier #knighted #culinary #induction #frenchcuisine #frenchfood #culinaryevent #buffets #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #celebration #ifwtwa1 #tmac

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Jun 28

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Those who know me know I`m weak for tasty popcorn and @fromfarmtotablecanada
spoiled me with theirs!! 🍿 😋

Proudly Ontario-made and woman-owned, From Farm to Table Canada has debuted their limited-edition CNE Kettle Corn in collaboration with the Canadian National Exhibition @letsgototheex for the 2024 season.Their beautiful package illustrations captures the fun that we have, when at the CNE 🎢.

It`s the perfect blend of sweet and salty - my favourite!! 😍

They are available in two sizes: Family Bag and Grab & Go. Sold online as well as in retail chains and many independent stores.

This must-have snack for the summer is available until Labour Day.

Get yours today and enjoy!!🍿🍿

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Jun 27

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A couple of evenings ago, I had the pleasure and honour of being invited by my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa to witness Chef @antonyannick70 be awarded France`s L`Ordre du mérite agricole, the highest civilian honour from the embassy @franceaucanada 😃

This distinction recognizes the contributions of Chef Yannick to promote French culture in Canada and Ottawa specifically - through his work as a chef and instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Ottawa.

Special moments of the evening included Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet sharing with guests the numerous accomplishments that Chef Yannick Anton has accomplished over the years. Simply remarkable!!👏👏
A very touching and inspiring moment came when Chef Yannick Anton gave praise and gratitude to his mentors, who helped him attain his dream in the culinary industry. He also reminded the graduating class of chefs to always have a vision and to never let it go.👨‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳😍

And it wouldn`t be a celebration without some tasty treats that exude French flare! They even had chocolate graduation hats - very cute and apropo 🎓🎓

Bravo Chef!!😊

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Jun 22

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Muy Caliente!!🔥🔥🌞🌞

With the insanely hot weather, nothing is more refreshing than this tasty Brazilian lemonade with some @bacardi Gold
Rum for the win!!🤩😋

And let me tell you, a pitcher was made...as it`s THAT delicious!!

At this rate, I will finally start to enjoy the summer heat...providing I have my `special` lemonade!😉

Cheers!

#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment

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Jun 17

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